Deleting a mailbox in Outlook depends on whether you mean a folder within your account or the entire email account itself

If you want to remove a single folder (like a custom folder you created, or a secondary mailbox you added), you can delete it directly from the folder list. If you want to remove an entire email account from Outlook, the process is different and involves disconnecting the account from the process. The steps differ slightly between Outlook on Windows, Outlook on Mac, and Outlook on the web.

Most people delete a mailbox because they no longer need it, switched providers, or want to clean up their folder structure. Understanding which type of deletion you need prevents accidentally removing something you wanted to keep.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting a folder within Outlook removes only that folder and its contents, not your entire email account.
  • Removing an entire account from Outlook disconnects it from the process but does not delete the account at your email provider.
  • In Outlook on Windows, right-click a folder and select Delete Folder; in Outlook on Mac, right-click and choose Delete Folder.
  • To remove an account entirely, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings, select the account, and click Remove.
  • Deleted folders go to your Deleted Items folder first on most accounts, giving you a chance to recover them before permanent removal.

How to delete a folder in Outlook on Windows

Open Outlook and locate the folder you want to delete in the left sidebar under your mailbox. Right-click the folder name. A menu will appear with several options. Select Delete Folder. Outlook will ask you to confirm the deletion. Click Yes to proceed.

The folder and all messages inside it will move to your Deleted Items folder. You can still recover it from there if you change your mind. To permanently remove it, you would need to empty your Deleted Items folder. If you cannot see the folder you want to delete, make sure you are looking at the correct mailbox — if you have multiple accounts connected, each one has its own folder list.

How to delete a folder in Outlook on Mac

In Outlook on Mac, the process is similar but the menu layout is slightly different. Right-click the folder you want to delete in the left sidebar. A context menu will appear. Select Delete Folder. Outlook will confirm that you want to delete the folder and move it to Deleted Items.

On Mac, you can also select the folder and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Like Windows, deleted folders move to Deleted Items first, so you have a window to recover them if needed.

How to delete a folder in Outlook on the web

In Outlook.com or Outlook on the web, right-click the folder in the left sidebar. Select Delete from the menu that appears. The folder will move to your Deleted Items folder. You can recover it from there within a set timeframe (usually 30 days, depending on your account settings).

If you do not see a Delete option, the folder may be a system folder like Inbox or Sent Items, which cannot be deleted. You can only delete custom folders you created yourself.

How to remove an entire email account from Outlook

If you want to disconnect an entire email account from Outlook rather than delete a single folder, the process is different. On Windows, go to File at the top left. Select Account Settings, then Account Settings again from the dropdown menu. A window will open showing all your connected accounts. Click the account you want to remove. Click the Remove button. Outlook will ask you to confirm. Click Yes.

On Mac, go to Outlook in the menu bar, then Preferences. Select Accounts. Click the account you want to remove from the list on the left. Click the minus sign (−) at the bottom of the account list. Confirm the removal.

Removing an account from Outlook does not delete the account at your email provider. Your emails remain on the provider's servers. You can add the account back to Outlook later if you need to.

What happens to your emails when you delete a mailbox

When you delete a folder in Outlook, the emails in that folder move to Deleted Items. They stay there until you empty the Deleted Items folder or until your account's retention policy automatically removes them (usually after 30 days). You can recover emails from Deleted Items by dragging them back to another folder or by right-clicking and selecting Restore.

When you remove an entire account from Outlook, the emails remain on your email provider's servers. They are not deleted from the provider. If you log into your email account through a web browser or add it to another email client, you will still see all your messages. Removing an account from Outlook only removes it from that process on that device.

Recovering a deleted mailbox or folder

If you deleted a folder by mistake, check your Deleted Items folder first. Open Deleted Items, find the folder you deleted, right-click it, and select Move. Choose the location where you want to restore it. This works for most folders deleted within the last 30 days.

If you removed an entire account from Outlook and want to add it back, go through the account setup process again. On Windows, go to File > Add Account. On Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts and click the plus sign. Enter your email address and password. Outlook will reconnect to your account and read your messages again. This does not restore deleted emails — it reconnects you to your existing account at your email provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete the Inbox or Sent Items folder?

No. System folders like Inbox, Sent Items, Drafts, and Deleted Items cannot be deleted in Outlook. These are core folders that your email account needs to function. You can only delete custom folders that you created yourself.

Will deleting a folder in Outlook delete it from my email provider?

Yes, if you delete a folder in Outlook, it is also deleted from your email provider's servers. The deletion syncs across all devices and web access. If you have the folder backed up elsewhere, you should save it before deleting.

What if I deleted an account by mistake and want to get my emails back?

Your emails are still on your email provider's servers. Add the account back to Outlook using your email address and password, and all your messages will reappear. The account removal only disconnected Outlook from the account — it did not erase your emails.

How long do deleted folders stay in Deleted Items?

Most email accounts keep items in Deleted Items for 30 days before permanently removing them. Some providers allow longer retention. Check your account settings or your email provider's documentation to see the exact timeframe for your account.

Can I delete multiple folders at once?

In most versions of Outlook, you delete folders one at a time. Select a folder, delete it, then move to the next one. Some versions may allow you to select multiple folders by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while clicking, but the delete function typically processes them individually.